To investigate epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 production in nasal mucosa irrigated with hypertonic 2.3 per cent solution with algae extracts, in comparison to 0.9 per cent NaCl during the first two weeks after surgery for nasal polyposis, in relation to symptoms and local findings.

This prospective study included 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with hypertonic solution and 20 nasal polyposis patients postoperatively irrigated with isotonic solution. We evaluated nasal symptom score, endoscopic score and mediator levels in nasal secretions before and after irrigation.

Following treatment, nasal symptom score and endoscopic score were significantly lower in the hypertonic solution group (p = 0.023; p < 0.001, respectively). The increase in the epidermal growth factor and the decrease in the transforming growth factor-α and interleukin-8 concentration were higher in the hypertonic group (p < 0.001 for all mediators).

Irrigation with a hypertonic solution was found to be more effective than an isotonic solution in nasal mucosa reparation.

This study aimed to compare two endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy techniques: lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps, and endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation.

This study was designed as a prospective randomised, controlled trial. Mucosal healing, granulation tissue formation and mucosal scar contracture were investigated after the surgery.

Ninety patients were included in the study (lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps, 46; endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation, 44). Nine (18.8 per cent) patients in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation group and two patients (4.2 per cent) in the lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps group had inadequate wound healing (p = 0.025). Granulation tissue formation was detected in nine patients (18.8 per cent) in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation group and in 1 patient (2.1 per cent) in the lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps group (p = 0.008). Functional success rates in the endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without flap preservation and lacrimal and double nasal mucosal flaps groups were 89.6 per cent and 97.9 per cent, respectively (p = 0.092). The operation time was similar in both groups (p = 0.122).

The double mucosal flaps technique is a surgical procedure with satisfactory outcomes for the repair of mucosal defects and related issues.

To evaluate the colour values of nasal mucosa for the purpose of presenting an objective parameter of allergic rhinitis.

Seventy-three patients with allergic rhinitis (allergy group) and 73 normal healthy individuals (control group) were included in the study. Endoscopic examinations were conducted, and endoscopic photographs of the septum and both inferior turbinates were taken. The Adobe Photoshop Elements 7.0 software program was used to measure the numerical values of red–green–blue (RGB) colour components in the endoscopic photographs of nasal mucosa.

The G and B values were significantly higher in the allergy group compared to the control group (both p < 0.05). Cumulative R, G and B values of all measurement points were significantly higher in the allergy group compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Nasal mucosa discolouration can be measured objectively with RGB analysis to aid the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis.

The aim of this study was to examine whether melatonin is involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.

This study included 29 patients with nasal polyposis and undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. As a control group, 26 patients who had been operated on for a deviated nasal septum and concha bullosa were enrolled. Samples were taken from the nasal polyp tissue and from the resected middle concha bullosa mucosa of the control group. Serum samples were taken from all patients.

It was found that the tissue and serum melatonin levels in the nasal polyp group were significantly lower compared with the tissue and serum melatonin levels in the control group.

In nasal polyposis, the melatonin level in the serum and tissue is lower than in individuals without polyposis. This deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.

To investigate the effect of microRNA let-7a on OPN expression in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis.

Thirty-two mature female C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, with eight mice in each group: microRNA let-7a, microRNA control, OVA and phosphate-buffered saline groups. The microRNA let-7a, microRNA control and OVA groups were sensitised with OVA to establish a mouse model of allergic rhinitis. Nose-scratching events were counted. Nasal mucosa was used to evaluate histological changes of goblet cell hyperplasia. Interleukins 5 and 13 were detected. Interferon-γ levels in the nasal lavage fluid were assayed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OPN expression was estimated with polymerase chain reaction.

Compared with microRNA control mice, microRNA let-7a treated mice had a significantly increased number of nose-scratching events, nasal mucosal eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia (p < 0.05), and significantly higher interleukins 5 and 13 in nasal mucosa (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in interferon-γ (p > 0.05). In addition, microRNA let-7a treated mice had significantly enhanced OPN expression in nasal mucosa (p < 0.05).

MicroRNA let-7a can promote allergic rhinitis development partly by regulating OPN expression.

Co-Phenylcaine Forte is a nasal spray routinely prescribed by otolaryngologists in Australia. The taste of Co-Phenylcaine Forte is typically described as unpleasant. This study sought to improve the overall patient experience associated with Co-Phenylcaine Forte by generating a Co-Phenylcaine Forte formulation, referred to as Co-Phenylcaine Zest, which contains an added vanilla flavour and masking agent.

Participants were randomised to receive two actuations of Co-Phenylcaine Forte in each nostril followed by two actuations of Co-Phenylcaine Zest, or vice versa. There was a 6–36-hour washout period between each treatment. After the administration of each spray, participants completed a questionnaire to rate various sensory attributes of each formulation on seven-point ordinal scales. Patients reported their overall formulation preference after receiving both treatments.

A total of 86 participants completed the trial. Seventy-four per cent of patients preferred Co-Phenylcaine Zest, 21 per cent preferred Co-Phenylcaine Forte and 5 per cent had no preference (p < 0.001). The satisfaction score associated with Co-Phenylcaine Zest was 1.22 points greater than with Co-Phenylcaine Forte (p < 0.001).

A novel formulation of Co-Phenylcaine Forte was created by adding a flavour and a masking agent; this formulation was preferred by most patients.

To establish Australian population-based incidence trends for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck.

Cases between 1985 and 2009 were identified in the Australian Cancer Database. Age-standardised incidence trends were established, including subgroup stratification by sex and site.

A continuously progressive increase in incidence was evident in the 353 cases identified over the 25-year study period. This was particularly evident in sinonasal mucosal melanoma in men, despite the overall incidence remaining higher in women.

There is such paucity in published global incidence trends of head and neck mucosal melanoma. Comparisons of incidence patterns between countries can provide insight into aetiological factors of this rare disease.

To investigate nasal mucociliary clearance in patients with Behçet's disease.

Thirty patients with Behçet's disease, diagnosed on the basis of criteria defined by the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease, and 30 healthy individuals were recruited. In both groups, individuals with conditions that could affect nasal mucociliary clearance were excluded. Nasal mucociliary clearance time was evaluated using saccharin tests. The time between placement of a saccharin tablet and the tasting of the saccharin was measured and recorded as the saccharin clearance time.

The mean nasal mucociliary clearance time was significantly longer in the Behçet's disease patients than in the control subjects (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a positive correlation between Behçet's disease duration and nasal mucociliary clearance time (p < 0.001, r = 0.882).

The results suggest that nasal mucociliary clearance time is longer in Behçet's disease patients than in control subjects, and is positively correlated with disease duration.

This paper presents an efficient and ergonomic system for performing rigid endoscopic examination in the out-patient clinic setting. The set-up encourages user comfort, and facilitates clear images of the nasal mucosa, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

This consisted of anti-fog solution, a 5 ml syringe, a cardboard receiver and gauze.

By using disposable equipment we encourage good infection control practices. We recommend that users of rigid endoscopes in the out-patient setting consider setting up for each patient in this manner.

This study compared the results of nasal Staphylococcus aureus carriage and nasal cytology in men with and without a moustache.

The study group comprised 118 adult men with a moustache, and the control group consisted of 123 adult men without a moustache. Samples were taken from the participants' right nasal cavity for cytology and from the left nasal cavity for microbiology.

The results for S aureus were positive in 19.5 per cent (n = 23) of participants with a moustache and in 20.3 per cent (n = 25) of men without a moustache. This difference was not significant (p > 0.05). However, nasal cytology revealed rich eosinophil clusters in participants with a moustache.

The presence or absence of a moustache had no effect on nasal S aureus colonisation. However, further research is needed to understand whether the presence of a moustache increases the risk of allergic or non-allergic rhinitis.

The use of cold nasal packs on the nose and nape of the neck is currently recommended for patients with epistaxis as this is thought to induce reflex nasal vasoconstriction, which decreases the bleeding. There have been a few investigations on the effect of cold compress application to the nose, but none of these focused specifically on nasal cooling of the skin of the nose.

Acoustic rhinometry was performed to obtain baseline measurements. Nasal dorsal skin was then cooled with two ice packs that were held on the left and right side of the nose for a total of 10 minutes by the subjects. The rhinometry measurements were taken at the time of initial application (baseline), and after 5 and 10 minutes of ice pack application.

Comparisons of the first and second minimal cross-sectional area values, and total nasal cavity volume measurements revealed no statistical differences.

The results of this study indicate that one should be sceptical about the efficiency of cold compress application, which is frequently used in clinical practice in cases with epistaxis.

The present study aimed to investigate nasal mucosal changes in response to passive exposure to cigarette smoke.

The study included 20 women aged 35–51 years who were scheduled for non-rhinological surgical procedures, and who had at least 10 years' prolonged passive exposure to household cigarette smoke. During surgery, two 1-mm3 biopsies of nasal mucosa were taken from the lower border of the inferior turbinate. Specimens were processed and examined with light and transmission electron microscopy.

Examination of the nasal mucosa showed several histopathological changes. The severity of structural changes increased with duration of smoke exposure. No allergic or neoplastic changes were seen.

Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has a deleterious effect on the nasal respiratory mucosa. Prolonged passive smoke exposure may also induce other, significant changes not detected in the present study.

Most patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction have dry, crusty nasal mucosa. Mucociliary clearance is modulated by the amount and biochemical composition of nasal mucus. Nasolacrimal duct obstruction disturbs the drainage of tears into the nasal cavity.

We examined the effect of nasolacrimal duct obstruction on the mucociliary transport of nasal mucosa, by comparing saccharine test results for epiphora patients versus healthy volunteers.

Prospective, randomised, clinical trial.

Eight patients with bilateral epiphora and 10 patients with unilateral epiphora were included in the study group. Complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction was demonstrated by studying irrigation of the nasolacrimal system, and by fluorescein dye study. The control group comprised 20 healthy volunteers. Mucociliary transport was assessed by the saccharine test in both the study and control groups. The saccharine transit times of 26 impaired nasal cavities were compared with those of 20 healthy nasal cavities of controls. Also, the saccharine transit times of the healthy nasal cavities of the 10 patients with unilateral epiphora were compared with those of their diseased sides, and also with those of healthy volunteers.

The saccharine transit times of the epiphora patients were statistically significantly greater than those of the control group. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in saccharine transit times, comparing the healthy and impaired nasal cavities of patients with unilateral epiphora.

Nasolacrimal duct obstruction has a negative effect on nasal mucociliary clearance. This may be related to changes in the amount and biochemical composition of nasal mucus.

The process of embedding tissue in paraffin degrades many important molecules involved in respiratory epithelial remodelling. We therefore examined alternative methods.

Inferior turbinate and nasal polyp biopsies were either placed in formalin or immediately snap-frozen in the operating theatre. Novel protocols for staining remodelling markers were compared with current methods.

Our method, using a mixture of three lectins, stained a significantly greater proportion of samples, compared with using Ulex europeaus lectin alone (84 vs 62 per cent; p < 0.005). Comparison of different proliferation markers showed that Ki67 was more suitable than proliferating cell nuclear antigen for frozen sections.

This study indicates that our robust, repeatable methods for examining whole mounts and for staining capillaries, cell proliferation and nuclei on the same section of nasal mucosa are superior to current methods. The use of fresh tissue that has not been paraffin-embedded would allow a greater suite of epitopes to be examined in the future.